Captain John Winthrop Cade

Captain John Winthrop Cade, a distinguished Navy officer, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 8, 2024. Born on October 1, 1931, in San Diego, CA, John was the beloved son of Cyrus Marion Cade and Edith Wells Buffum Cade. Following the death of his father when John was just three years old, he was raised primarily by his grandparents, Orpheus Blain Cade and Florence Amy Officer Cade, during the challenging times of the Great Depression. After his grandfather passed away when John was ten, his uncles John Wesley Cade and Perry Comstock Buffum, alongside his grandmother, took on significant roles in his upbringing.

John graduated from San Diego High School in 1949, where he was a proud member of the Debate Club, Boys Federation, Satan's Club and Choir. Though he initially dreamed of becoming a lawyer, his path led him to the military. He attended Boyden Prep Military Academy before enrolling at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point from 1950 to 1952. John then transferred to the California Maritime Academy (now California State University Maritime Academy), graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Steam, Diesel, and Electrical Engineering.

In 1955, John enlisted in the Navy, embarking on a 28-year career. He began as an officer on the USS Firm (MSO-444), serving as the Officer of the Deck. His career saw him take on roles as Executive and Operations Officer in Mine Division 112 and as a duty officer aboard the USS Catfish (SS-339), a diesel submarine. After two tours of duty in the Western Pacific, he was selected by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to join the Nuclear Submarine Program. John's remarkable potential was evident as he excelled in Submarine School and was chosen for Officer's Advanced Nuclear Power School and the S1C (Nuclear Submarine Propulsion Prototype) program in Windsor, CT. He later served as Operations, Navigation, and Weapons Department Head on the USS Permit (SSN-594).

Despite the demands of his career, which included moving his family 12 times in eight years and spending long periods at sea, John remained dedicated to his family. In 1963, he transitioned to the Navy Reserve, where he continued to thrive and eventually retired in 1983 at the rank of Captain.

After his active duty, John dedicated 35 years to working in Management and Marketing for companies contracting with the Department of Defense in the Marine/Navy industries. He held significant positions at Goodyear Aerospace, Ocean Technology, Litton, Computer Sciences Corp (CSC), Syscon, and Nassco, specializing in avionics, weapons systems engineering, and integration.

In retirement, John cherished time with his children and grandchildren. He was active in several social organizations, often serving as President. He enjoyed regular lunches with his Navy friends and traveling extensively in his motorhome with his wife, Phyllis, as part of the S.M.A.R.T (Senior Military Active and Retired Travelers) and Compadres RV Club. Their adventures took them to 49 states over 20 years.

In 2022, at the age of 90, John was honored with an invitation to the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where he visited military memorials with fellow veterans, accompanied by his son John. His final adventure, just two weeks before his passing, was a private tour of the USS Midway in San Diego accompanied by his son Wes and wife Bernice. It was a fitting close to his remarkable life.

John and Phyllis, his high school sweetheart and wife of 70 years, were devoted to each other until her passing on August 23, 2021. He is survived by his three children: Wesley Robert Cade (Bernice), Wendy Cade Devine (Mike), and John William Cade (Kathy); three grandchildren: Travis Wayne Sulstrom (Stephanie), Tracy Lee Sulstrom Sandifer (Tim), and Jessica Cade Harbert (Tim); and five great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Sandifer, Rylan Sulstrom, Addison Sulstrom, Daniel Sandifer, and Quinn Harbert.

A service will be held for Captain Cade on June 28, 2024, at 12:30 pm at the Chapel of the Roses followed by full military honors at graveside at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902.

Captain John Winthrop Cade will be remembered as a dedicated officer, loving family man, and extraordinary individual who led a brilliantly impactful life.

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